Did you know that federal intelligence agencies have been purchasing data about both U.S. persons and non-U.S. persons? It has come to light that certain government intelligence agencies have been acquiring data from private companies in order to build extensive libraries of information. If you want to stay informed about cybersecurity and receive security alerts, quick tips, tech reviews, and easy how-to’s to enhance your knowledge, don’t forget to subscribe to Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter. According to the Department of Homeland Security, the primary objective of these purchases is to track “threat actors” rather than monitor innocent individuals. However, a recently declassified U.S. intelligence report suggests that this practice carries potential risks for ordinary U.S. citizens like you and me. So, what does the report reveal? According to the report published in January 2022, when cross-referenced and aggregated, the data in question has the potential to expose highly sensitive and personal details about individuals. This includes personal attributes, private behavior, social connections, and even “speech.” What is particularly concerning is that this data can be misused to invade private lives, damage reputations, cause emotional distress, and even threaten individuals’ safety. The report emphasizes that the power of this data, known as “commercially available information” or “CAI,” may enable the government to gain unprecedented insight into anyone’s private life, raising ethical concerns. So how is the government obtaining this data? Extensive information libraries, containing data on all of us, can be purchased from various private companies. Every time we agree to “terms of use” or “terms of service,” such as when using a credit card, signing up for a mobile data plan, or joining a grocery store discount program, we potentially grant permission to companies to collect, store, and even sell our private data to anyone willing to buy it, including government agencies. Private companies face minimal regulations when compiling, selling, and purchasing this commercially available data. This allows certain government intelligence agencies to take advantage of the fact that private companies, rather than government agencies, have legally accumulated these libraries of personal information and can simply purchase the information that has become publicly available to anyone with the means to buy it. But are there any laws in place to prevent the government from accessing CAI? Currently, there is no law that would prohibit a governmental intelligence agency from obtaining commercially available information (CAI) from private companies. Typically, as established by the Supreme Court, a governmental agency or local police department must obtain a valid court order or warrant before they can access our private data without our permission. However, by utilizing the method of purchasing commercially available data, government agencies can navigate around these legal complexities and gain access to data that they might not have been able to obtain in the past without a warrant. The official report mentions numerous examples of government agencies attempting to acquire personal data, including but not limited to the Defense Intelligence Agency, the Navy, the FBI, and the Department of Homeland Security. Although we have reached out to these specific agencies for a comment, we have not received a response at the time of publishing this article. What are the implications of this information? This issue is not limited to domestic concerns. As access to private data becomes increasingly available to anyone, a new threat arises: foreign intelligence could also utilize these resources to purchase American information. It is impossible to predict what other nations might do with this data, and if it falls into the wrong hands, it could be a dangerous weapon. It’s important to remember that private companies typically sell this data to the highest bidder, regardless of who that bidder may be. What insights can we draw from this report? Senator Ron Wyden argues that this report highlights the need for stronger digital privacy protections for U.S. citizens. In a press release, Wyden states, “This review shows that the government’s existing policies have failed to provide essential safeguards for Americans’ privacy or oversight of how agencies buy and use personal data.” Others are calling for stricter regulations on private companies, more laws limiting government purchases, and increased efforts to prevent citizens’ private data from falling into the hands of potential adversaries. To protect your privacy, it is essential to be aware of the overreach of companies and government agencies. Using a removal service can help you monitor and delete your personal information from hundreds of websites. While no service guarantees complete removal of all your data from the internet, having a removal service can be extremely beneficial for continuous monitoring and automated removal over an extended period of time. Visit Cyberguy.com/Delete for my tips and top picks on removing your data from the internet. In conclusion, federal intelligence agencies acquiring personal data from private companies raises significant concerns regarding privacy and safety. It is vital to consider using a removal service to protect your online presence. Do you feel concerned about the government’s practice of purchasing personal data from private companies and the potential risks it poses to your privacy and safety? What actions do you think should be taken to address this issue? Share your thoughts with us at Cyberguy.com/Contact. To stay updated on cybersecurity and receive security alerts, subscribe to Kurt’s free CyberGuy Report Newsletter at Cyberguy.com/Newsletter. Copyright 2023 Cyberguy.com. All rights reserved. Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson, an award-winning tech journalist, contributes to Fox News & FOX Business, providing insights and expertise on technology, gear, and gadgets that enhance our lives. If you have any tech questions or want to share a story idea or comment, visit CyberGuy.com.
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